Dear Financial Aid King,
I received my financial aid decision, are my books included in the cost?
Sincerely,
Library Lover
Dear Library Lover,
That’s a good question. Probably until this point in your education, your materials and books were always provided to you.
I hate to tell you — not so in college.
Most colleges do not include the price of books in your tuition, fees, or room and board if you are going to live on campus.
On average, the cost of books and materials is $500 to $900 a semester.
It should tell you on your financial aid decision or cost of attendance worksheet, but if you can’t find it, ask that question of the financial aid office at the institution you’re interested in attending. (You should be talking to your financial aid office, anyway!)
Please note that if your grants, scholarships, and loans are more than what you’re being billed in a semester and you’re eligible for a refund, you can use the refund to pay for books.
If you are looking for some extra pocket money, there are ways to earn some cash online for your first semester and beyond.
This advice is free even if books aren’t,
The King
